‘Outlaw Ocean’ Murder Video: How Can You Sleep Easy ILO Asked

This news published by the Celtic League and reproduced here on behalf of the Cornish Branch:

‘Outlaw Ocean’ Murder Video: How Can You Sleep Easy ILO Asked

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

‘OUTLAW OCEAN’ MURDER VIDEO: HOW CAN YOU SLEEP EASY ILO CHIEF ASKED

The Director General of the ILO has been asked how he or any other Official of International bodies regulating conditions for seafarers can rest easy after the revelations in the New York Times earlier this month about lawlessness at sea.

The series of articles cover all aspects of conditions seafarers face. The most damningly graphic evidence in the collection of articles is video footage of the murder of a number of men in the water in as yet unexplained circumstances.

The NY Times articles by journalist Ian Urbina highlight the complete lack of accountability over crime including murder and suspicious deaths which occur at sea.

“The Director-General
Mr. Guy Ryder
International Labour Organisation
Route de Morillons 4
CH1121
Geneva 22
Switzerland

31st July 2015

Dear Director General Ryder,

The Celtic League communicated both by post and email with you dated 19th July concerning conditions for seafarers. At the time we were in touch by email with a journalist at the New York Times (Ian Urbina) who indicated he was to undertake a general expose in a series of articles of all aspects of conditions at sea.

He has since published in the New York Times a series of articles entitled THE OUTLAW OCEAN. (see link):

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/07/24/world/the-outlaw-ocean.htm...

I am bound to say anyone who looks at these articles can have any confidence in regulations presently for seafarers (both merchant marine and fishermen). The articles also touch on the treatment of migrants (stowaways) and pollution and I accept these may be aspects outside the remit of the ILO.

However we have written already because of this catalogue of disturbing evidence to the International Maritime Organisation and we have suggested that the IMO consider joint action with other (including yourselves) to address these concerns.

As I point out in our letter to Secretary General Sekimizu one of the most disturbing aspects of the Urbina reports is the statement:

“Murders regularly occur offshore — thousands of seafarers, fishermen or sea migrants die under suspicious circumstances annually, maritime officials say — but culprits are rarely held accountable. No one is required to report violent crimes committed in international waters.”

This is truly outrageous and is borne out by video evidence with the articles.

I cannot comprehend how any responsible officials at either the ILO or IMO can sleep easily having knowledge of the abuses occurring at sea.

I urge your organisation to be proactive in this matter.

I attach a copy of our letter to the IMO Secretary General and once again this mail will be sent both electronically and by post.

Yours sincerely

Director of Information
Celtic League

cc Secretary General International Maritime Organisation

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=886672931381469&id=805...

J B Moffatt (Mr)

Director of Information
Celtic League

31/07/15

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